Experts: No Mow May Should Not be Taken Literally

(KNSI) — Environmentalists are thrilled at the recent enthusiasm for No Mow May but say the phrase shouldn’t be taken literally.

The movement has gained popularity to help pollinators like bees, and butterflies get something to eat as they wake up from hibernation in the spring.

The University of Minnesota Bee Squad Queen Bee Bridget Mendel explains, “If you just don’t mow and don’t have flowers in your lawn, that’s not helpful. So it’s about keeping flowers in your lawn, and it’s also about promoting habitat.”

Bees don’t use grass pollen as a food source but rely on blooming trees and native flowers.

Rather than allowing your lawn to grow all month, she says to take more time between cuts. “We’re actually trying to promote the idea of slow mow May or slow mow summer because it’s not about just not mowing at all. That actually can have negative impacts on your lawn.”

University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension Educator Jon Trappe says grasses grow the most in May compared to any other month, creating a problem if you chop it down all at once. “Potentially, that first week of June when you go to mow it again, you’re moving more than 1/3 of the leaf surface. And that can stress out the plants going into the summer months.”

The research paper that promoted the No Mow May fad has since been withdrawn. “We don’t really know that No Mow May actually has any direct benefits to the pollinators. There was some research, but there’s been some questions about the research itself. So if your strategy is to promote pollinators look at planting something like a bee/lawn mixture.”

Both experts agree if you want to help the bees in your yard, avoid using pesticides and let dandelions and white clover grow.

Waite Park participates in the movement and encourages people to register their lawns on its website or at city hall. St. Cloud will also discuss No Mow May at Monday’s city council meeting.

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